The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers have suffered a setback after US-based striker Temwa Chawinga suffered a knee injury.
This could be a blow for the Scorchers ahead of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers against Angola later this month.
Temwa, who is the leading goalscorer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with 14 goals, missed Kansas City Current 1-0 victory over Angel City FC on Monday night.
In an interview from her base Tuesday, Temwa confirmed that she did not play for her club due to injury.
“I sustained another knee injury so I was not part of the match day squad,” she said.
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Asked on her availability for Scorchers crucial qualifiers, Temwa said she was waiting for guidance from the team doctor on her return to action.
“At the moment, I do not know because it will not be my decision but the doctor,” Temwa said.
Last month, Temwa also sustained a knee injury which forced her to miss two matches.
In August, she also suffered an ankle injury.
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Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili was reluctant to comment on the matter.
Fazili is expected to name the Scorchers squad next week for the two crucial matches.
Malawi will start away on October 23 before hosting Angola at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, five days later.
The latest injury could be a blow for Temwa as she is looking to retain the golden boot award. Additionally, Kansas would greatly miss her as they are looking to win the NWSL title.
The Malawian has enjoyed another good season with Kansas having scored 14 goals in the current campaign.
Last season, she won the golden boot award with 20 goals-becoming the first female player to achieve that feat in the NWSL history.
Temwa finished on position 17 in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
Meanwhile, Temwa has been included in the NWSL Best XI for September following her impressive performance.
Temwa scored three goals and also provided three assists.
Apart from Temwa, Kansas defender Kayla Sharples was also included in the squad.
It was her fourth consecutive month for Temwa to be honoured.
Kansas coach Vlatko Andonovski was selected as the best coach of the month.
